According to the American Cancer Society, more than one
in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. That's why early detection is key and why
Providence Medford Medical Center is now providing 3D mammography to any woman
choosing care at Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center.

3D mammography, or Breast Tomosynthesis, provides a 3-D digital image of the breast,
allowing for a more accurate view of some breast tissues. The technology is particularly important for women with dense breasts.

"Last year, the state of Oregon made it mandatory for breast centers to alert patients when they have dense breasts. In previous years, that could mean the patient could need additional testing following a mammogram," said Nicole McPheeters, supervisor of Providence's Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center. "With 3D mammography, we're taking detection and prevention one step further. The high quality images allow us to screen women with dense breasts with fewer additional tests."

The detailed images provided by 3D mammography allow radiologists to spot small cancers earlier, have greater accuracy in identifying the size, shape and location of abnormalities and order fewer biopsies. Tests published in the Journal of American Medicine show 3D mammography increases the detection of invasive breast cancers by 41 percent, decreases unnecessary callbacks by 40 percent and does so with less radiation than a traditional digital mammogram.

"This is an amazing way to help our community," said Katie Shepard, executive director of Providence Community Health Foundation. "Our two new machines were purchased, in part, using funds from our generous donors. Every time we receive a donation, we think about how many mothers, sisters and wives it will help."

Women interested in using the new technology for a regular, annual screening mammogram do not need a doctor's referral, instead they simply need to call the breast center at 541-732-6100 to make an appointment.

Providence Health & Services in Oregon is a not-for-profit Catholic network of hospitals, care centers, health plans, physicians, clinics, home health care and affiliated services guided by a Mission of caring that the Sisters of Providence began in the West nearly 160 years ago.